Courtesy of: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
Dr. Margaret Fortune passionately advocates for charter schools, emphasizing their effectiveness in educating black students. She recounts her family’s history in education and activism, highlighting her parents’ roles in the civil rights movement. Fortune shares her personal commitment to improving education for black children, noting the challenges faced by black students in California, where only 10 out of 100 public schools with majority black populations perform well, with eight being charter schools. She underscores the importance of data, citing her school’s significant improvement in math scores. Fortune urges educators to lead with courage and boldness, emphasizing that they, not politicians, should guide education.
Transcript
Outline
Dr. Margaret Fortune’s Introduction and Acknowledgements
- Dr. Margaret Fortune expresses her pleasure in being present and highlights the significance of the day.
- She emphasizes her strong support for charter schools and her commitment to fighting for their cause.
- Dr. Margaret Fortune thanks the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools for the honor of induction into the Hall of Fame.
- She introduces her partner, Dr. Annette Melvin, who she credits for creating a supportive home environment.
Personal and Family Background
- Dr. Margaret Fortune shares her family’s background in education, mentioning that both she and her partner are educators.
- She recounts her parents’ involvement in the civil rights movement, including their participation in sit-ins at Woolworths.
- Dr. Margaret Fortune reflects on her family’s history, including her great-grandmother’s enslavement and her parents’ efforts to educate their children.
- She discusses her mother’s influence and the importance of education in her family’s history.
Challenges and Motivations in Education
- Dr. Margaret Fortune talks about the challenges faced by black children in education and her determination to fight for their rights.
- She mentions the opposition to education for black children and her motivation to stand up and take action.
- Dr. Margaret Fortune highlights the importance of freedom in education and her advocacy for charter schools.
- She discusses the historical context of slavery and the significance of education in the African American community.
Advocacy for Charter Schools
- Dr. Margaret Fortune expresses her unwavering support for charter schools and their role in educating black students.
- She highlights the success of charter schools in California, where black students perform better than in traditional public schools.
- Dr. Margaret Fortune shares her pride in her school’s performance and her goal to be number one.
- She criticizes the lack of transparency in California’s education system and the importance of data in her work.
Call to Action and Conclusion
- Dr. Margaret Fortune emphasizes the role of educators as leaders in education, rather than politicians.
- She calls for courage and boldness in the face of attacks on charter schools.
- Dr. Margaret Fortune urges her audience to continue educating, communicating, and advocating for their students.
- She concludes with a call to action, asking her audience to support her efforts and keep pushing forward.
